Children posed the question, “What will I do if an earthquake happens while I’m sleeping?” The first iteration of IRAYA: Initiating Resilience Through Art and Youth Action focused on “All About Earthquakes” was held last October 30, 2025. Around 60 children with their guardians from the homeschool cooperative, Journeys of Faith, participated in an online earthquake preparedness workshop.
The Director of the Knowledge Sharing Division, Dr. Likha Minimo, opened the session by explaining earthquakes, how it happens and what we should do if it happens. It was followed by a Mental Mapping exercise led by the UPRI YouthMappers with Rian Gio Maculado, Djin Axel Izaak Gabriel, Enrico Jameel Ulanday, and Reynald Lawrence Castro. They explained the importance of maps and facilitated a mapping exercise guiding them from their homes to safe spaces in case an earthquake occurs. Supervising Research Specialist Chris Sanchez had children identify the items found in a Go Bag. Afterwards, the children sang along to songs from the Handa, Awit, Lindol album, a collection of songs on earthquake preparedness for children. Chief Science Research Specialist Sonny Ongkiko and Ms. Jerzyne Anne Corpuz of the Institution Building Division helped parents and children craft their Family Emergency Readiness Plan. As moderated by host, Maria Victoria Almazan, the children engaged with the speakers for a Question and Answer on the topic where they raised insightful questions and debunked myths on earthquakes.
IRAYA facilitators led the discussion on earthquake preparedness
A student shared that, “We were able to freely ask questions based on our personal situations and locations, which made the discussion feel more open and relatable, especially to those students and parents who had similar experiences to mine when it came to earthquakes.” The activity concluded by encouraging families to plan together in an insightful and practical way.